February 10, 2011

REP BUTLER/REP BERGER/SPEAKER DONOVAN
WANT HOMEOWNERS TO AVOID FORECLOSURE
Connecticut Fair Housing Center gives presentation on alternatives

Waterbury delegation members Representative Larry Butler (D-Waterbury) and Representative Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury), along with Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) participated in a public forum on foreclosure prevention options for homeowners sponsored by the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. The forum focused on strategies to keep people in their homes while representing themselves through the foreclosure process.

"While Connecticut navigates out of our tough economic times, we don't want to leave behind homeowners who are still having some difficulty," said Speaker Donovan. "This action plan gives people the power to help themselves and is a win/win for those involved."

The forum highlighted resources and assistance available through the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. Mediation classes are offered across the state, with this evening's forum a brief introduction. Topics discussed ranged from home loan modification and negotiating a home exit strategy to housing counselors and demystifying the process. An 80-page manual which walks homeowners through the Connecticut foreclosure process, including all forms needed for court was distributed. To date, some 5000 owners have kept their homes thanks to this mediation process.

"For most homeowners, mediation is the first opportunity they have to meet face to face with a representative from their mortgage servicer," said Rep. Butler, who chairs the legislature's Housing Committee. "One of my legislative goals is to have mediation happen before any litigation."

"Waterbury is a city of distinct neighborhoods which we must work to maintain and allow to flourish. The time to assist struggling homeowners is before they get into trouble with their mortgages and this is what we must focus on," said Rep. Berger. "We need to take a proactive approach in order to stave off foreclosures while exploring all possible options to keep people in their homes. Foreclosures, both residential and commercial, add to city wide blight, harm all of our neighborhoods and erode our quality of life."

"The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is the only non-profit organization in the state that provides legal assistance and resources, free of charge, to homeowners facing foreclosure," said CFHC Staff Attorney Jeffrey Gentes. "One in 13 Connecticut homeowners is either 90 days behind on their mortgage or in foreclosure. It is critical that we continue to support and educate people about resources like the Foreclosure Mediation Program so that we can prevent as many foreclosures as possible."